Data collection via satellites

The collection of environmental data is necessary for many users in governmental and scientific institutions as well as private users. Problems regarding such a collection are related to the number of observational stations required and the necessity to transmit the data from these stations to collection centers. The situation related to the collection of environmental data has improved considerably in connection with the introducton of data collecton platforms on board various satellites. These systems provide possibilities for the collection and transmission of data at a low cost and under conditons of relatively small restrictions. Attention is given to representative applications of data collection platforms, geosynchronous meteorological satellites, the Argos system on board two NOAA satellites, an Argos system description, and the development and the employment of the DFVLR-DCP.